Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Lemi


I knew that I was going to have to record this sooner or later.


Lemi passed on yesterday afternoon after being sick for about a week. It was a hard week for all of us, Lemi in the makeshift cat hospital box, Choco basically ignored since I was constantly looking over Lemi. Tetsu and me staying up nights to keep her warm or just keep her company. I guess the other cats weren't disturbed too much and they don't seem to notice Lemi's passing.


After all my talk about putting an animal to sleep, I couldn't do it in the end. Lemi wasn't in pain but got into the calling and wandering mode so that it was hard to watch her. Tetsu and I took turns holding her or petting her and in the end I was chatting with my neighbor and holding Lemi when she died. A very nice way to go I think. Mrs. Yano, my neighbor always takes care of our cats if both Tetsu and I are away (once every couple of years Tetsu comes to the States with me) so she knows Lemi well. The last week Mrs. Yano has been coming over every few hours to check on Lemi and on me and bring me good things to eat. You'd think I was the one who was sick! Lemi also got a visit from Mrs. Yano's husband and even from a couple at church who are cat lovers. I'd say Lemi was a well-loved cat!


Small things are painful. Calling the cats for food and only three of them appearing. Seeing the still full box of cat food for older cats (Lemi's brand), changing my blog profile to have it say "I ... currently live with my husband, 3 cats and a dog" instead of 4 cats.


Only my quilting and piecing output profited from Lemi's confinement since most of the week I have been sitting by her box (no cooking, no cleaning!) and quilting the When-oh-When and doing some piecework. Now you know the reason my quilting went along so quickly. That is all that I've been doing! Thank you Lemi.


Looking back over this blog, there are lots of pictures of Lemi adorning my quilts, overseeing the basting, christening the blocks. Such a good kitty and great taste in quilts!

30 comments:

Carla said...

Lemi was such a well loved kitty. I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm glad that you have your friends, husband, other pets, and quilting for comfort.

Clare said...

Oh Tanya. I know how you are feeling. All I can do is to send you a big hug and know that you will get through this. Why don't you make up a collage of all the pictures of Lemi to remember her by.

Nancy said...

Only those of us who have lost beloved pets know the pain you are experiencing. Big hugs, girlfriend.

Love,
n, np

harts4Him said...

Good bye Lemi. So sorry for your loss Tanya & Tetsu. Lemi had a great life and passed on with those who loved her.

Much love!
Vanessa

Quilt Pixie said...

{hugs}

Elaine Adair said...

She was lucky to be 'owned' by you. My, my, how we love our pets. 8-)

andsewitis Holly said...

I'm sorry, Tanya. {{{hugs}}}

Tracey in CT said...

I'm so sorry, Tanya. {{{{HUGS}}}}

Beth said...

They DO leave footprints in our hearts,don't they? I'm glad she was not sick long and that you were there with her when she died. {{{{hugs}}}}

dee said...

I'm so sorry Tanya.

Sew Create It - Jane said...

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss... Sounds like Lemi was a very loved cat and was cared for right up to the very end. Take care,

Jane

Shelina said...

I'm so sorry for your loss Tanya.

The Calico Cat said...

I'm so sorry for your loss.

Jeanne said...

Tanya, I'm sorry to read about Lemi's passing. Our cats become such a part of our lives and it is difficult to let go. I hope the memories you have of Lemi will bring you and Tetsu some comfort.

Laurie Ann said...

So sorry about Lemi. Sounds like she had an awesome life and passing in your arms was quite a blessing. She was a lucky cat.

Marilyn R said...

I'm sorry for the loss of Lemi.Pets really are part of the family. {{{hugs}}}

anne bebbington said...

When her time was up that was surely the very best way to go - (((hugs)))

Brigitte (SE. Louisiana) said...

Tanya....I'm so sorry for your loss. May peace be with you and your family.

Judy H. said...

I am so sorry. It can be so hard to watch our furbabies go. We lost a kitty just a little over a year ago, and the anniversary reminded me how much we still miss him. It sounds like Lemi was very loved, and like she knew it. You are in my thoughts.

peggy said...

The loss of a pet is so amazingly hard. The sad emptiness will go away after a while, and you'll have wonderful memories to fill in the space. I'll be thinking of you.

CONNIE W said...

Sorry you lost Lemi, I know this was so difficult for you.

QuiltingFitzy said...

many hugs sweetie

The Calico Quilter said...

I am so very sorry to hear of Lemi's passing. It leaves a very big hole, doesn't it, when we lose a beloved companion, especially if she has been with you so many years. I wish you well, and hope all these kind comments you have received are a comfort.

Jan said...

I'm glad you have so many wonderful memories of Lemi. You will have those forever.
Jan

Denise (Nour) said...

The story of Lemi is very touching. She passed away in the best possible way... in your loving arms. Sorry for your loss.

Lazy Gal Tonya said...

I'm so sorry.

Luna said...

Oh no ! Tanya I´m so sorry about Lemi.I know it to loose a cat in his arms and can imagine how sad you must be.
Yes I know that with the left cat food and the favorite place and always is there a big hole.
I think Lemi had a good life !
hugs
Stefanie

meggie said...

Sorry Dear Lemi has passed away.
I think you gave her a wonderful death, if I can use that term. After all death is part of our lives, & hers was so caring & loving, I am sure she appreciated it.
Hugs Tanyaxx

Mary said...

I'm so sorry Lemi is gone but it sounds like she experienced a lot of love in her life and her last days. You both are in my thoughts and prayers.

Patti said...

Oh Tanya, I'm so very sorry. Losing a pet is so very hard. i'm glad you have such wonderful memories - she will always live in your hearts.